b'Annual Meetinghes needed. Soft-spoken yet highlyin 1998 when he joined the Mount Abedemonstrating what thoughtful capable, he represents the kind ofSnow Sports Club in Bristol, Vermont.leadership looks like. As an officer of leadership every club hopes to have. Over the years, his leadership andVAST, she brings strength, precision, dedication have made a lasting impactand integrity to her work, embracing on both the club and the broaderthe full scope of the role while also snowmobiling community. From 2003stepping in to take on responsibilities to 2020, he served as club president,that were once handled within the and today he continues to contribute asoffice.vice president. She works closely with the VAST Throughout his service, he hasPresident and the executive team, been instrumental in building andoffering insight, support, and maintaining strong relationships withsteady leadership. Her commitment landowners, coordinating with VAST,is especially evident in her work state agencies, and neighboring clubson the contested voting process. to make trail projects and reroutesUnderstanding its importance, she possible. His contributions extendensured the entire process was clearly well beyond trail work. He has beendocumented, laying the groundwork a driving force behind countlessfor transparency and fairness for future fundraisers and dances, bringingleaders. She is always approachable people together while supporting theand always dependable. Her response Director of the Year: Dustin Turner clubs mission. One of his favoriteis never no. Its How can I help? traditions is working with fellowand Lets make sure we do it right.The VAST Board of Directors is madevolunteers each fall to put up trailShe is a tremendous asset to the up of passionate and committedsignsa simple but essential part oforganization.individuals from all 14 counties acrosskeeping the sport alive and safe.Vermont. This award recognizes one ofHe has also served on the VAST those directors whose leadership hasBoard of Directors for 13 years as the made a lasting impact in a short periodAddison County Director, plus three of time. Since joining the Board just amore years as Alternate Director, couple of years ago, he has consistentlya role he continues in today. He is demonstrated what it means to be fullyalso a member of the VAST Safety engaged. He listens carefully, considersCommittee. Those who work with all perspectives, asks thoughtful andhim know his mix of humor, a get-the-direct questions, and approaches eachjob-done attitude, and unwavering issue with clarity and purpose beforecommitment to the snowmobile forming his position. community. Outstanding Local Business:Not long after stepping into the role,Snowmobile Vermont of Stoweone of the clubs in his county faced a significant challengeone thatThis years Outstanding Local required strong leadership, soundBusiness award goes to a business that judgment, and discretion. He mettruly went above and beyond this past that moment with integrity andseason, and, in many ways, served as a composure. This year, he expandedlifeline for their local club. While they his commitment by joining the VASThave always been a strong supporter Awards and Recognition Committeeand invaluable partner, this year they and serving as Secretary for the VASTtook that commitment to an entirely AORRG Insurance Board. He alsonew level. It was the first season continues to serve as president of histhe club handled its own grooming local club and remains fully engaged inoperations, an exciting but challenging all aspects of its operations, includingtransition that came with growing grooming. Officer of the Year: Ruth Halpin pains, including extended groomer He is dependable, thoughtful, andThis award recipient has beendowntime.deeply invested in the mission we allserving in a leadership role withinIn response, this business stepped up share. VAST for the past two years, andwithout hesitation. They increased the Outgoing Director: Lewis Barnes from the very beginning her passionfrequency and range of their grooming and determination have beenoperations to help maintain smooth Our next honoree has been part of theunmistakable. She approaches hertrails, and ensure riders could continue snowmobiling world since the 1970s.responsibilities with fairness, clarity,to enjoy a great experience. Their He first became involved with VASTand a strong sense of purpose, alwayssupport doesnt end at the trails. They 14 | Snowmobile Vermont'